Two Halves of a Whole
07/03/2014 12:14:01 PM
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Dear [first_name], This week is Parashat Shekalim where we read of the obligation of every Jew to give a gift of one half shekel to the Temple. Why a half a shekel? It is often said that we are to learn from this is that we are only a half - that without the "other" we are not whole. This is certainly true. But there is another lesson here as well. And that is that without us, the "other" is not whole either! On the one hand, we must realize that we are only half and cannot do it on our own - that we are part of something bigger. On the other, we must know that without our unique contribution - something that we, and only we, can give - the world is a poorer place. As Chassidim used to say: Just as a person must be aware of his shortcomings, he must be equally aware of his qualities. Only this full awareness can lead to the realization of our full potential. .... Guest Speaker tonight in Shul ... Mr Lance Rosenberg, NSW UIA President, will give an update in the lead up to UIA's major campaigns this month. PURIM DOWN UNDER Purim is just around the corner and we have a fantastic array of events for the whole family as you can see here. 
Our major event on Sunday March 16th put together by our Cultural Committee promises to be something a real first for us as we celebrate "Being Jewish, Being Australian, and it Being Purim ... " Program includes the wonderful talents of Hylton Chilchik and lots of interactive activities so book early! In the meantime, on behalf of the Rebbetzin and all of us at South Head, wishing you a Good and Peaceful Shabbos. Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM 
Do What Your Zeide Says to Do
Rabbi Dr Abraham Twerski "I was so impressed that the Rebbe took the time out to answer the question of a nine year old child, when he had the whole world beseeching him with questions on major issues. It goes to show how special everyone was to him, and also that he understood the psychological impact very well - what it would mean for a child to receive a response from the Rebbe." Click here to read the full story. 
Blessed Beginnings
After Kiddush Shabbat Shiur Are birthdays meaningless? Join us as we discover entirely new perspectives on birthdays that guarantees when ours next comes around, we will be sure to celebrate in style. Purim at South Head
Events for Everyone
JLI
What Defines You? Is it what we do that defines us? Is is what we believe or our values and ethics that says "who we are"? Why does someone who feels they have no identity try to acquire one by attempting to "belong" to one group or another? These were some of the questions students dealt with in the opening week of JLI's To Be a Jew in the Free World.  Brookie ReportsWe're very excited to be hosting our first Bless the Kids for the year this Shabbos! Children under 10 should be in Shul no later than 10.15. Get ready to be blessed by the Rabbi, receive a special treat and get to make your very own edible Purim face!! Purim in the Lab is going to be a total blast as we venture into the science .. (don't worry it will be very safe!!) Click here for all the details 
Parasha Sheet
Pekudei - Shabbat Shekalim
A: A half-shekel coin is an insufficient sum of money to pay for even one sacrifice and it certainly does not cover the sacrifices offered every day of the year. Yet, by contributing this amount, even though it was a very small amount, every Jew became a full partner in every one of the congregational sacrifices offered throughout the year. Therefore, in order to become a partner and obtain his share in the congregational sacrifices, a Jew had to join in with other Jews. One Jew’s half-shekel coin alone would not suffice to purchase even one sacrifice. The half-shekel coin therefore emphasizes the importance of the commandment, ‘Love your fellow as yourself’, for a Jew himself is only a half and is incomplete. He only becomes whole when united with another Jew. And this was also the only way the congregational sacrifice could be offered - it was offered by the entire nation as one entity, not as a grouping of individuals. The above lesson is based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe and adapted by Brookie Milecki. To learn all about the Parasha, download our Parasha sheet! Please share our Parasha sheet around your Shabbat table and let your family and friends explore the Parasha of the week together with you. |
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666 Old South Head Rd Rose Bay, NSW 2029 (02) 9371 7300 |
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SHMINI
Rose Bay, NSW 2029
(02) 9371 7300